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Released on Leeds Jazz & Soul labelATA Records, the debut LP fromThe Lewis Express takes the rich legacy of the soul-jazz outfits of the 1960s as the initial blueprint of their sound. Taking inspiration from the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Young-Holt, Eddie Cano, Ray Bryant and Cannonball Adderley, they present a collection of tracks that range from introspective spy film themes to burning Brazilian jazz.

Primarily based in Leeds, The Lewis Express is comprised of many of the musicians that have graced previous ATA releases: George Cooper, Piano (Abstract Orchestra) Neil Innes, Bass (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill), Sam Hobbs, Drums (Dread Supreme, Tony Burkill, Matthew Bourne) and Pete Williams, Percussion (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill). Recorded over an intense two-day session by the band of the same name, "The Lewis Express" is a nod to the classic soul jazz recordings of The Young Holt Trio / Young-Holt Unlimited and Ramsey Lewis, from who this group take their name. But, delivered with a distinctly European feel. As with many of the classic Ramsey Lewis cuts, this album was recorded live, capturing the rich inter-relationship between the players.

Kicking off the album isLove Can't Turn A Man, a slow burner that introduces the piano of George Cooper as he works over a rock solid backbeat.Cancao De Momentois an up-tempo Brazilian Workout in the style of Milton Banana with rhythmic piano punctuated by percussion.Brother Move Onis probably the most recognizable as being in the soul jazz vein, with nods to such classics as Ramsey Lewis'The 'In' CrowdandSoulful Strutby Young Holt Unlimited, particularly the latter. Moving intoHawkshaw Philly(their nod to session music legend and leader of The Mohawks, Alan Hawkshaw) the band create what sounds like a rare library cut.Theme From The Watcheris a nod to the cinematic soul-jazz of the 60s, conjuring up the sort of imagery that coincides with the black and white spy thrillers, espionage and intrigue.Last Man In The Chain Ganghas a very strong Ramsey Lewis feel and offers some of the most powerful piano playing of the whole album. The final track,Straight Seven Strut, is the only vocal track of the album. The staccato swing and French vocals lend it some of the qualities of 60s yé-yé music but with a far jazzier backbone, spiced with percussive handclaps.

Originally from West Yorkshire, but now resident in Manchester, composer, bassist and producer Phil France is probably best known as a key collaborator alongside Jason Swinscoe in the Cinematic Orchestra, where he co-wrote, arranged and produced on classic albums including Everyday, Man With The Movie Camera, Ma Fleur and also the triple award winning soundtrack for The Crimson Wing nature documentary. In 2013 France released his debut solo album, The Swimmer (GOND016), an emotive, epic record influenced by the great second wave of film composers including John Carpenter and Vangelis, as well as minimalist composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass

Five years later, France presents the follow up, the enigmatically titled, Circle, which again represents a very personal journey for the artist. For France the album is an extension of work he began on The Swimmer. A process he has described as: " blocks of sound containing intricate minimal arpeggiated patterns and electronic textures that develop and shift in subtle, original and melodic ways. The trancelike quality, mood and electronic character of title track Circle led France to think of the circular patterns which eventually became a potent concept for the album. "Ideas and fashions repeat themselves in cycles. Events are said to travel 'full circle' and this is important to me because it represents my own recent personal and musical journey after 15 years touring as bassist and composer with The Cinematic Orchestra. I consider circles to be a strong symbol of unity, strength and inclusiveness and ultimately I've aspired to make something beautiful with those values at its heart".

The album opens with the title track, Circle, built on a minimal looped pattern with melodic embellishment and shifting additional harmonic textures. Bells was developed from the arpeggiator and offers a nod to the melodicism and atmosphere of French electronic music. The Jackal features an idea originally developed for The Crimson Wing score but which finally bears fruit here. Cathedrals features an improvised intro, Philip Glass inspired organ and vocal textures inspired by the work of Colin Stetson. Finally, the album ends with a reprise of Circle this time featuring layered pianos. But it isn't the conclusion of the journey, for France: "The Circle is infinite - During the process of making this record, I have been constantly reminded that nothing ever stays the same and that all is in constant flux. The challenge for me is always to respond positively, be aware of and seize the opportunity for progression constant change provides" And it is that sense of movement and flow, but also calm and beauty that permeates Circle and make it such a worthy successor to The Swimmer.

Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

Genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s - one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison - and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugel horn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse - a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall - stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy.

In search of the sublime, contemporary electronic musician Steve Hauschildt has designed grids and panoramas of sound across multiple releases through the rise and dissolution of his former band, Emeralds, an American touchstone of 2000s home-recorded psychedelic noise music. Consistent with his solo work is Hauschildt's ability to coil his craft in precise, varied, and distinctly physical forms. Gently spinning arpeggios converse with post-industrial decay. Sonic bers sway like pendulums from static melancholy to motorik bliss. Dissolvi, the artist's rst full-length with Ghostly International, engages sublimation from an ontological perspective: by dissociating the self. Hauschildt steps out from the singular path, for the rst time in a traditional studio, to compose and arrange contributions from friends. As a result, his most collaborative work to date extends a vast, vibrating framework in which to consider the state of being.

The album's title — a reference to cupio dissolvi, the Latin phrase meaning "I wish to be dissolved" — needn't be taken one-dimensionally or as purely solipsistic. It does, however, serve an apt reference. Physiological phenomena are of interest to Hauschildt. These back-of-mind ruminations nd their way out. Songs are cerebral in orientation, but beyond explanation, the music is truly visceral.

Involuntary eye movement inspires the serene, sanguine-nearing-suspicious "Saccade." Hauschildt feathers soft percussion beneath the echoed refrains of Los Angeles musician Julianna Barwick, together shaping a svelte suggestion of the anxieties brought about by modern-day surveillance; if everyone is being watched constantly, there is no individual, no self, only a broadly monitored and clumsily cataloged populous. The work of Chicago poet Carl Sandburg comes to mind: 'I am the people—the mob—the crowd—the mass.' The individual dissolves into the taxonomic crowd.

Minimalist techno impulses provide a stylistic through-line for Dissolvi. Understated synth phrases and drum grooves take hold in selective moments, like synchronistic structures onto which nebulous mists, like the rapturous voice of Gabrielle Herbst aka GABI on "Syncope," cling to and cloud, producing a dazzling rift in consciousness. The 7-minute centerpiece "Alienself" reiterates this creative logic, burbling like an amorphous body of water on a low-gravity planet, on the verge of dissolving, but never fully dematerializing.

The album was constructed in Chicago (where Hauschildt now resides) and partially in New York. "Much of it was recorded in a windowless studio which removed elemental or seasonal references to time in the music," says Hauschildt. "The focus this time was on mixing the album and incorporating a broader set of instrumentation. I describe my compositional approach as being quasi-generative." Embracing new methods and philosophical curiosities, and in turn, expanding the range of his repertoire, Hauschildt proposes a fascinating and profoundly rich experience in listening, being, and deliquescing.

Another very special EP on Al Zanders A to Z label

Teaming up this time with vocalist Sheyi, for a one-off foray into Broken Beat territory.
The story of its inspiration begins with a trip to Notting Hill Record & Tape Exchange...
After asking for some broken beat, the assistant ventured a withering opinion that "won't be monotonous enough, try the house music section instead"
Turns out it was Phil Asher of Co-op fame - who, after establishing a genuine desire for said genre - sold Al a bunch of West London music which became the influence for this EP.

Allowing Sheyi to shine over a bare bones, syncopated rhythm track on the title cut and an equally stripped down 'Satisfy' Al amps up the groove, with the G.I.T dub, which was made for IG Culture's radio show.

Limited run on these - don't snooze !

Cordial Recordings in partnership with Pilier Records are proud to announce the return of Philadelphia's legendary Mr Garfield Fleming with a 7 single and mini album of new productions. All female vocals are performed by fellow Pilier recording artist Mz. Nina. This mini album features 6 songs that showcase the talented vocal range of Garfield with production assistance from Ourra, Ben Pirani, Difusion & Daft Funk. The full release version comes with 350gsm full colour printed sleeve. We will be shipping this exclusively at the end of this week.

Tucky Buzzard
The Complete Tucky Buzzard 5 Lp Slipcase Box Set
- Having Come To The End Of The Psychedelic Path, The End Decided On A Change Of Musical Direction And A Change Of Name,
Arising From The Ashes As Tucky Buzzard In 1970 And Retaining The Line-up Of Guitarist Terry Taylor, Organist Nicky Graham,
Drummer Paul Francis, Bassist Dave Brown, And Vocalist Jimmy Henderson.
- The First Album, Recorded With Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra Directed By Waldo De Los Rios, Contained Some Last Vestiges
Of The Band's Previous Existence. But The Second Album, Produced By Old Associate Bill Wyman With Glyn Johns At Olympic
Studios Set Out The Band's Template Of Bluesy Rock, A Leading Genre At The Dawn Of The 70s. Mick Taylor Makes A Guest
Appearance.
- For The Fourth And Fifth Albums, The Band Was Signed To Deep Purple's Own Purple Records. Bill Wyman Continued In The
Producer's Chair, But The Departing Nicky Graham Was Replaced With A Second Guitarist.
- Strictly Limited To 750 Copies, And Housed In A Numbered Rigid Slipcase Featuring Photos From The Collection Of Terry Taylor
(bill Wyman's Right Hand Man In The Rhythm Kings For The Last 25+ Years), All The Original Sleeves (including Two Gatefolds)
Are Faithfully Reproduced. The Inner Sleeves Feature Extensive Annotation By Alan Robinson Based On Interviews With The Band.

The group Shake was the brainchild of the elusive soul and funk singer/producer Lenis Guess from Norfolk, Virginia. It is now considered one of the great overlooked funk bands of the late 70s Virginia scene - a tight little combo with a warm style that's just right for the dancefloor! The VA groove of the time was a different take on the styles being used up north in Philly and New York - as the groups were often more traditionally funk-based, especially in their instrumentation - but played in a mode that was upbeat and soaring, perfectly suited for the disco-era dancefloor, yet handled with the sincerity of an indie soul group. Shake communicate a heck of a lot in their music - moving through some great original tunes written by producer Lenis Guess, done with some nicely personal touches that maintain the indie spirit of the set, even though the group's overall sound is tightly professional. Originally released on Guess records, it includes the Kon & Amir favourite 'Lost In Space', but the whole album is just great.

Sandra Wright was an incredibly powerful Soul singer from Memphis (later Nashville). 'Wounded Woman' is one of the greatest Deep Southern Soul albums of all time and defined by it's title track  re-issued on 7' here for the first time. The flip side 'Midnight Affair' has been an in demand modern soul dancer for many years and it receives it's first UK release here. Both songs were recorded at Broadway Studios Muscle Shoals in 1974 produced by David Johnson, in the same studio that Swamp Dogg used for his seminal albums by Doris Duke and Sandra Phillips. Timing for the release coincided with the demise of it's label Truth/Stax Records and so missed its opportunity for the commercial greatness it deserved. Original copies of 'Wounded Woman', the 7' on Truth Records have sold for over £300. Soul Brother also have the full album available on LP and CD.

AE Productions in association with In Effect Recordings are proud to present the next installment from Philadelphia legend Phill Most Chill, this time with beats provided by Nova Scotia based DJ/Producer Jorun Bombay, under the guise of Jorun PMC - with a tip of the hat to Hip Hop legends Run DMC. If you've heard either of Jorun's incredible Rock The Discotek mixes you may have heard one or two tracks from this 12' in their early form as parts of those mixes. Here at AE Productions we thought it was a shame that they weren't available as songs in their own right on vinyl so here they are with an extra track for good measure and with more of Phill Most Chill's trademark artwork making the sleeve look incredible!
The EP opens with Can't Stop Won't Stop and gets straight down to business. Phill Most Chill starts on the first beat of the first bar almost as if he can't wait to rock the spot. This is pure party Hip Hop fueled by uptempo Disco Breaks, but don't be fooled by that statement - this is no crossover rap music, we mean the type of party that could be found in parks in New York in the early days of Hip Hop. Listen for a whirlwind of extended turntable action from Jorun who slices like a food processor throughout.
Magic Disco Machine stays with the classic Disco Break sound with various nods to Block Party Classics which create a great club friendly track. Again with some serious turntable skills from Jorun to complement Phill's hype rhymes, this is the brand new exclusive track for this release and has all the credentials of a summer party classic.
The final track here The Champ stays with the classic block party theme but this time utilising a raw Funk groove that will be a surefire hit with B-Boys and B-Girls worldwide and shouldn't fail to get any Hip Hop party moving. This could be considered the most underground sounding of the three tracks assembled here.

Two tracker. Frankfurt. Offenbach. Florian Meffert & Marc Philipp as Aman.
Limited copies.
Be fast & not stupid.

Woven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.

Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.

Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.

Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson, es, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.

Woven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie HavensWoven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.

Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.

Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.

Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson, , Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.

Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.

Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson,
Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.

Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson,

Die Form is the legendary post-industrial electronic project leaded by French artist Philippe Fichot and active since the late 70's. Tears of Eros was originally released by the German imprint Hyperium Records in 1993 and shows Die Form on it's most intense and productive years. Sexual deviations, sadomasochism, fetish and domination set to danceable beats with a dark atmosphere.
This mini-album is re-issue for the first time on vinyl including all the original songs plus a different version of Doctor X. Limited to 333 copies with die-cut jacket silk-screen printed on deluxe black paper, printed inner sleeve and numbered card.

"Oozing.. oozing soul, oozing feel, oozing the essence of rhythm and the body. This is what Elbee Bad is about. A native New Yorker who has long since transplanted himself in Berlin, Elbee Bad AKA The Prince of Dance is back on Thema Recordings with a masterclass mini album that will resonate for years to come. "Crossing Dimensions" is more than just a record, it is a philosophy on turntablism and what it means to be engaged in this culture. Sitting comfortably on the shelf next to artists like Mr. G, Moodymann, and DJ Sprinkles, Elbee recalls this genuine house feeling while adding a spice that could only be summoned out of his creative nuance. From the anthemic knowledge of "Request Monster" to the bass blistering sonnets of "Crossing Dimensions", Elbee showcases the sound of an artist who is deeply in touch with himself, the crowd, and the history of this music. No filler, no bullshit, just truth, love, and HOUSE.
Text by: Nathan Levenson"

Bangers and Ash is back. The rough & ready series of records that spawned the wider Styles Upon Styles imprint has always challenged artists (Clay Wilson, Certain Creatures, Best Available Technology to name a few) to work their sonics for both the club (Bangers) and the clouds (Ash), now welcoming Contakt to the family in 2018. A native of Michigan and a long-time resident of Brooklyn, Contakt cofounded the boundary-pushing club night TURRBOTAXr with previous releases on Argot, Icee Hot and "Second Shift" and "Detritus" feature on the Ash side with a spacious wash of atmospheric analog synth constructs, while "Shut Off Notice" and "NDO" are Bangers that divebomb deep into classic Detroit techno. Each record has been screen-printed, stamped and stickered by Contakt and SUS, with mixing by Phil Moffa and mastering by Josh Bonati."

Here's one for all the hardcore Disco and Soul lovers out there, one of the finest and rarest manifestations of the legendary writing, arranging and production team of Randy Muller and Jeff Lane (Skyy, BT Express, Brass Construction, Aquarian Dream, Spiders Webb and many more!). First appearing as a 'Columbia Records Disco Series' promo 12" in 1976 this is a wondrous example of that mid to late 70's uptempo Soul sound morphing into Disco, and boy are we glad it did! Drenched in pure Philly vibes 'I'm Ready To Give Up My Life' is a real beauty, clocking in at over 9 mins of pure dance-floor joy with soaring strings and a driving rhythm. Pure class all the way and one for the aficionados for sure. Beautiful Soul music that will certainly deliver the goods in the club indeed. As per the original 1976 promo release this 12" features the same program on both sides.

This underground Disco classic has been legally reissued by Above Board distribution in conjunction with the legal rights holders - Sony Music Entertainment. This high quality repress features original Columbia white label Disco 12" artwork and has been remastered from Sony's original sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK.

"For the final part of SchleiBen 5 - 8, Emotional Response welcomes two Scottish based artists to close out the series. In Jon Keliehor you have a world and music traveler with history from psychedelic rock to fourth world exposure, alongside one of the best electronic producers of the last decade, Lord Of The Isles. As the drummer of West Coast folk rock / psychedelic band The Daily Flash, Keleihor spent much of the mid-60 based in and out of Seattle and Los Angles, playing alongside the likes of Jefferson Airplane, Cream and The Doors, before an increasing interest in meditation and philosophies outside of the 'rock' realm led him to England in the early 70s where he become involved in dance theatre. Teaching Advanced Rhythmic Music Studies at the London Contemporary Dance School, his music composition style became influenced by his studies of world music. Finally settling in Glasgow for over 20 years, while running the Luminous Music label and Gamelan Naga Mas, his earlier recordings for labels like Indipop, Touch and Bruton have seen a recent revival, with music appearing recently on contemporaries Optimo Music and Invisible Inc. The wonderful recordings included here span over 3 decades, from sessions at the Luminous Studio at The Diorama Theatre, London in the early 80s, through to recent field-work based recordings in the Cairngorms. Reconfigured and updated, a common thread appears through the pieces - a sense of longing and appreciation - as Jon's knowledge of outer-national instrumentation alongside equally extensive travels around the globe gives the recordings a seamless blend of organic craft. The tonal consonances within unlikely combinations of instruments, with tuned glasses (tarang), tabla, jaw harps, clay flutes and ocarinas, Chinese instruments that include Xiao-Bo and Xiao-Ping, large Noah bells, small and larges gongs all employed, the recordings have been reconstructed, edited and updated via sampling and digital processing. Featuring the playing of John "Jhalib" Millar - the extraordinarily gifted musician and tabla player - who has appeared with an EP on sister label, Emotional Rescue (ERC029), sadly recently deceased, the contribution acts as a tribute and more. To close, the music of Lord Of The Isles is an excellent companion to Jon's work. Neil McDonald's list of club-based releases on labels CockTail D'Amor, Ene, Firecracker, Permanent Vacation, ESP Institute and Phonica is comprehensive and exemplary, however within his productions has often been an other-worldly element, a space between the beats and occasional fully ambient pieces. Approached originally for series one of SchleiBen, the 7 pieces included were worth the wait, a journey in themselves and the perfect completion. Spanning almost 5 years, the majority were written during an extended exile in the Cairngorms. The lifting, ethereal, but melodic nature of the music fits that aesthetic. Blue skies, snow, long walks, space to think, but with a longing and appreciation of family and friends. The solitary nature found in SchleiBen 8 and the geographical incidence of both artist's recordings including sessions in the Scottish Highlands fits the series ideals and is a nice closure. Enjoy and listen. "

GMT (Phil Moffa, Guy Gerber and Seth Troxler) heads of the A side with a bang. The haunting strings of the original wind their way through drums reminiscent of jacking 90's house before the
drop of the classic Decompression bassline, chopped and spliced sure to make your mid section feel nice.
Mike Shannon touches down with a modular synth rework that takes the original and twists it into a modern acid trip and groove signature of his programming style. Like surfing a spaceship through a technicolor wormhole to planet funk.
Deadbeat shows his strength with a spaced out dub version. A master of his craft he delivers a reverb drenched, morphing grove that will transport your head to an indica haze.
Natalia Escobar stretches the pulls the track into an intense ambient time machine. This escape into the 5th dimension will induce shivers down your spine and make your 3rd eye burst into flames.
We hope you enjoy the work of these talented navigators! Safe travels :
Volume 3 is still to come and will feature DJ Rush, DJ Sodeyama, Quenum and S Katz (a.k.a.Katsuhiko).

The Vinyl Edition Is Limited To 500 Copies And Comes In A Sealed Heavy Old-fashioned Cardboard Sleeve, The Record Itself Is Packed In A Protective Poly-innersleeve. A Free Download Code Plus A Bjint Logo Sticker Round Up The Packaging. Philanthrope's Longplayer »waking Dreams« Marks The Very First Release On Our Newly Founded Beat Jazz International Label, Born Out Of Our Love And Passion For Beats, Jazz And Vinyl. After Well-received Output On Respected Labels Like Radio Juicy, Chillhop Or Dezi Belle, We Are Stunned To Present Philanthrope's All New Full-length With Illustrous Guests Like Mono:massive, Sugi.wa, Kupla And Tusken.

While notorious in the Chicago streets, RP Boo's music had been unfairly confined to a few white labels and self-released mixtapes until his two archival Planet Mu LPs Legacy and Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints introduced broader audiences to his sonic history, some of it fifteen years after it was first recorded. I'll Tell You What! is the next step in his mission, and the first time he's released an album of contemporary material. The title, a favorite maxim of his, welcomes listeners to sit down and let him narrate in the unforgettable abstract fashion he's known for. He explores familiar motifs such as the cosmos, movement, and opposition, using densely interwoven vocals, unpredictable percussion, and evil humming bass as his tools of choice. RP Boo's music doesn't follow the traditional rules that most compositions do. Layering decades of samples from yesteryear to the present over his commanding vocal cut-ups, he transports the listener to their own realm of the space-time continuum. The main difference between this record and his prior work is now we hear Boo tell new stories about preaching his gospel outside of Chicago, from his experiences frantically touring the globe over the last five years. The words 'things ain't been the same / since I hopped the plane' are repeated on top of engine sounds and rumbling bass on Flight 1235, a glorious paean to his new jet-setting adventures. The spirit of competition runs through RP's veins as much as blood does, something you can't unlearn when you've been making music for Chicago's footwork circuit as long as he has. The local culture has served as a shelter from the violence that has plagued the city, pitting kids against each other with their feet rather than weapons. On At War Boo reminds us 'we are at war in the streets', a double meaning to both the mayhem in this world and the sweetness of rivalry on the dance floor. Another battle-themed track Cloudy Back Yard, one of the spacier moments on this album, is an abstract on the state of footwork's home. Chicago remains the backyard of this artform even though it's left the porch and traveled to new neighborhoods worldwide. Back at home though, competition among the DJs and dancers continues, and as the man himself says, 'with all this hate, there's smoke, and it's cloudy'. I'll Tell You What! throws more than a few curveballs into the mix. Footwork has always borrowed from hip-hop, and many vocal tracks are almost condensed raps, dating back to the street chants pioneered on Dance Mania Records in the ghetto house days. On Bounty, Boo grabs the mic and brazenly lays down a full-on verse of terror over a thick atmosphere of his signature sweltering low-end and erratic Roland R-70 patterns. While he's most famous for his confrontational battle anthems, his melancholy moments are just as powerful. You get the best of both of those worlds on U-Don't No, with soulful samples finishing his own cocky sentences, one of the most elegant tracks RP has made to date. Deep Sole closes the record out, with the words 'It's always beautiful at the end' looping over waves of hypnotic synthesis, confidently looking death straight in the eyes.